-
- katia_chan (
katia_chan) wrote in 
applyingtograd,
- Mood:
exhausted
Question on the Statement of Purpose
So, the issue:
During my MA (and after), I did work in medieval studies, and also in our history department. The work I do there is in nationalism and its mythical construction, with a major focus on Wales. This ties back to my medieval work in the fact that I have done a lot of work with pseudo-histories, like Geoffrey of Monmouth, etc. The problem comes in, however, because my other area of specialty/passion is medieval book history, specifically material culture.
Honestly, these two areas of focus do not tie together much, even in my brain. It is not so much that I am unfocussed, as I love both these areas of study very much, and cannot imagine parting with either one as a primary research interest. But I sense this becoming a big problem in the SoP. I don't want grad programs to think I'm dithering between these two things, but I do feel like both take up my time when it comes to research.
I've thought about only focussing on one in the SoP, but don't know which to choose--I have more to say about the nationalism research because it is taking up my time with a current project, but it is also something that is rather obscure. Book history is more conventional, but at this second I have less to say, and it's further complicated by the fact I am blind, and so am going to spend time convincing a lot of people that this does not exclude me from codicology, something I am not sure is best tackled in the SoP.
I realize that is a long-winded explanation of the problem, but just wondered if anyone had any advice. I want to represent myself truly, in a way that gives me the best chance of getting into a program, and would like to do this without looking like an indecisive wibbler. (Also it's hard to address two interests when they decide you only get 500 words).
Weird problem, I know, but would appreciate any input.